Adherence

In the Muheza District of Tanzania, the USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project applied the Community Health System Strengthening model to improve linkages between health facilities and communities in order to increase HIV testing and retention in care. Working in five communities, community teams were created from existing community groups to work with the local home-based care volunteer. Teams in each of the communities relayed information from the facility to the community through their community groups and vice-versa.

Everything Amina* went through after she stopped using ARVs has remained history as now she has a new and promising life. Although stopping using ARVs was not her choice as the side effects were unbearable; the consequences of leaving the drug were massive. Her health deteriorated and her CD4 rapidly decreased to below 200.

Various factors influence poor uptake and retention of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services. Decisions to seek PMTCT care, adhere to treatment, and return for care are complicated and influenced by factors beyond the clinic.